The Adventure Program offers a variety of bold activities and services for those wanting to try new things, explore new places, and build their knowledge of the world. Whether you go on a trip or workshop, climb the top rope or bouldering walls, utilize our equipment for rent, or just need a bike repair, you have the ability to make it your own at Iowa State University.

At the current time paddle sport rentals including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards have been suspended.   

  • State Gym top rope wall

    Climbing Walls

    Recreation Services at Iowa State University has climbing walls at State Gym and Lied Rec Center. Top Rope wall is open when staff is there to supervise while Bouldering walls open anytime facilities are open.

    Top-Rope at State Gym is available with all needed equipment available on-site, free of charge. 

  • Biking

    Equipment Rental

    Equipment rental is available at the Adventure Program desk in State Gym. Equipment rental is available for a small fee and is open to both Recreation Services members and non-members.

    Equipment available for rent includes camping supplies, game equipment like sports balls and nets, bicycles, and climbing equipment. 

  • Bicycle maintenance at Recreation Services

    Bike Maintenance

    If you're in need of a brake adjustment, quick tune, or are wanting a safety inspection on your bike, the Adventure Program has you covered. Book an appointment and bring your bike in today so you can get back to your adventure!

  • Women climb night

    Women* Climb Night

    A welcoming environment for climbers who identify as women or genderqueer.  This event is open to all genders and allows for a less intimidating environment for climbers, new or otherwise to climb and meet others interested in climbing. 

Trips and Workshops

Explore the beautiful vistas the United States has to offer with an Adventure Program trip, or hone your outdoor skills with a workshop.

Trips include transportation, food at the destination, technical equipment, logistics and reservations, and a trip leader to plan and manage the trip. Hiking, kayaking, biking, and camping trips are available at various destinations throughout the United States. Trips range in length from a day trip to a week or more.

Fall 2024 Trips and Workshops

EventCostDatesSign Up Deadline 
Rock 1

Member $20

Non-member $29

 

REGISTER HERE

10-SepSeptember 4thThis is an introductory course to rock climbing. Safety tools and techniques will be the focus. Skills learned will include but are not limited to knots, terminology, gear, and basic belaying techniques. Upon completion of this workshop and three follow-up belays, you will obtain a Belay Card for the ISU climbing wall.
Rock 124-SepSeptember 18th
Rock 115-OctOctober 9th
Rock 119-NovNovember 13th
Rock 13-DecNovember 27th
     
Rock 2

Members $34 

Non-members $49

REGISTER HERE

21-SepSeptember 9thThis is an introductory course to lead climbing. Safety tools and techniques will be the focus. Skills learned will include but are not limited to knots, terminology, gear and basic lead climbing techniques. Upon completion of this course you will receive a Lead Card that will entitle you to lead climb at the ISU Climbing Wall. The prerequisite for this clinic is to be able to climb at a 5.8 level consistently without falls, have had the Rock 1 belay certification for a minimum of 2 months with ample time down at the wall. Upon signing up you will be assigned 3 pre-work times that must be completed during lead hours or scheduled with one of the staff prior to the day of the class.
Rock 212-OctSeptember 30th
Rock 29-NovOctober 28th
     
Rock 3

Members $34 

Non-members $49

2-NovOctober 28thThis workshop is the next step in our climbing instruction at ISU. This workshop bridges the gap between lead climbing in the gym and the skills needed to climb outside in a one pitch sport setting. This workshop will cover the following skills: setting a sport anchor, cleaning a sport anchor, rappelling, climbing etiquette, and reading a guide book. Must have your Belay card and your Lead Card prior to taking this workshop.
     
NOLS Wilderness First Aid

Members $325 

Non-members $375

REGISTER HERE

October 5-6September 25thThis workshop focuses on the first aid skills needed to take care of injuries in a remote setting. The WFA workshop includes lecture time, with the majority of the workshop spent practicing the skills you've learned in mock scenarios. A WFA certification will be given to all participants who complete the course. This course is a refresher course for those with a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification.
     
Introduction Outdoor Cooking

Member $10

Non-member $15

REGISTER HERE

2-OctSeptember 25thCome join us for some good food and some instruction on what equipment you need for your camp kitchen. There will be discussions on different cooking techniques, the types of equipment you need and how to use the equipment. We will also cover some environmental concerns and hygiene topics.
Introduction Outdoor Cooking16-OctOctober 9th
     
Kayak 1

Member $25 

Non-member $35

REGISTER HERE

September 18thSeptember 13thRecreational kayaks are very popular in the water industry these days. Unlike whitewater kayaks, these boats are easier to paddle and less likely to tip over (although it still can be done). In this workshop paddlers will learn the basic techniques needed to paddle a recreational kayak on a lake or a flat water river.
     
     
Lake Red Rock Iowa Canoe Camping

Member $90

Non-Members $120

REGISTER HERE

September 14-15September 5thLake Red Rock is a hidden Iowa wonder, offering many opportunities for an introduction to backcountry camping. On this adventure, we will be canoe camping and relaxing by the lake while taking in the great weather September is known for. Take this opportunity to get away for a fun boating weekend and enjoy a campfire with friends.
     
Ada Hayden Family Day Kayaking & CanoeingFreeSeptember 14thSeptember 10thWhat better way to spend time on a family weekend than exploring some of the beautiful parks Ames offers? If interested, sign up and join us for a low-key kayak and canoe adventure, whether with your parents, siblings, or on your own. We will give general instruction on safety and set out to explore what the lake has to offer. With this offering to keep your day free following the event, please plan on finding your own transportation to and from Ada Hayden for the time you sign up for.
     
Hike/Yoga Collaboration with Fitness

Member $35 

Non-Members $280

REGISTER HERE

September 22ndSeptember 18thOn this morning hike, the adventure program will partner with the fitness department and embark on a local yoga adventure. We will be hiking with yoga mats and finding a natural area to practice poses. If you are interested in yoga and the outdoors, look no further; this will be a trip to remember.
     
Pictured Rocks Backpacking

Member $230 

Non-Members $280

REGISTER HERE

October 10-13September 30thSandstone cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, and shorelines beckon you to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The lakeshore hugs the Lake Superior shoreline and rewards hikers with exhilarating views and opportunities for personal challenge. Lake Superior is the largest, deepest, coldest, and most pristine of all the Great Lakes. All skill levels welcome. *Thursday early afternoon departure
     
Sandstone Minnesota Climbing

Member $150

Non-Members $200

REGISTER HERE

October 18-20October 7thIf you've just begun your climbing journey or are a seasoned outdoor climber, this trip is a fantastic opportunity to climb real rock on a quick weekend getaway. Located less than 5 hours away, this destination in Minnesota offers amazing climbing experiences, especially during this time of year when the fall colors are at their peak. Sign up today and enjoy a great weekend climbing with your friends in Adventure!
     
Utah National Park Tour

Member $620

Non-Members $700

REGISTER HERE

November 22-30November 11thJoin us as we explore the western part of the country, stopping through national parks in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and more. We will be hiking and camping in various parks, taking in the beauty these time-honored parks have to offer. Please note that on this adventure, we will be spending Thanksgiving in a National Park. If you are interested, sign up today!
     
Red River Gorge Kentucky Climbing

Member $380 

Non-Members $450

REGISTER HERE

November 22-27November 11thJoin us for an unforgettable fall climbing trip to the stunning Red River Gorge! Known for its world-class rock climbing, the Gorge offers routes for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Don’t miss this chance to climb some of the best routes in the country and witness the Gorge’s stunning fall Colors. Spaces are limited, so sign up now and embark on a climbing adventure you’ll never forget!